43113, Circleville, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 43113, Circleville, Ohio is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.54 percent of residents in 43113 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Berger Hospital with a distance of 1.72 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Circleville (ZIP Code 43113)

Considering a move to Circleville, Ohio (ZIP Code 43113)? Beyond the charming small-town atmosphere and affordable housing, a crucial factor to consider is your access to healthcare, particularly for women's health concerns like breast cancer. This "Breast Cancer Score" delves into the transportation landscape, evaluating how easily residents can reach essential medical services, from screening mammograms to specialized oncology care. The focus is on transportation, a critical element of healthcare access, and how it impacts your ability to receive timely and appropriate care.

The ability to reach healthcare facilities is paramount, and in Circleville, this translates to understanding the transportation options available. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, painting a picture of the ease with which you can navigate the healthcare system. The goal is to provide a clear and concise understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access within this ZIP code.

**Drive Times: The Road to Care**

For many residents, driving is the primary mode of transportation. The major artery serving Circleville is US-23, a north-south highway that connects the town to Columbus and other regional centers. Accessing healthcare often involves navigating this highway, and the drive times vary depending on the destination and the time of day.

For routine mammograms and primary care, residents might visit facilities within Circleville itself. Berger Health Partners, located in the heart of town, offers comprehensive women's health services. The drive time to Berger Health Partners is typically minimal, assuming you reside within the city limits. However, specialized care, such as oncology services, may necessitate a trip to Columbus.

The drive to Columbus, particularly to hospitals like OhioHealth Grant Medical Center or The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital, typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions on US-23 and the connecting Interstate 270. Morning and evening commutes can significantly extend these travel times.

Smaller roads, such as OH-56 and OH-316, provide alternative routes, but they are generally slower and less direct. These routes might be preferable during peak traffic hours on US-23, but they add to the overall travel time. Careful consideration of these drive times is crucial when planning appointments and managing potential delays.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Circleville and the surrounding area are limited. The Pickaway Area Transportation Service (PATS) provides demand-response transportation, meaning you must schedule rides in advance. PATS offers curb-to-curb service within Pickaway County, including Circleville.

While PATS offers a vital service for those who cannot drive, it's essential to recognize its limitations. The service operates on a scheduled basis, requiring advance planning and booking. This can be challenging for urgent appointments or unexpected medical needs.

Accessibility is a key consideration. PATS vehicles are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts, to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited operating hours and the need for advance booking can still pose challenges for those seeking timely healthcare access.

Public transit to Columbus is virtually nonexistent. This means that for specialized care in the state's capital, residents must rely on private transportation, such as driving, ride-sharing, or medical transport services. This lack of public transit options significantly impacts healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Circleville, providing an alternative to driving or relying on public transit. These services offer convenience and flexibility, allowing residents to book rides on demand. However, the availability of ride-sharing services can vary, and wait times might be longer in a smaller town compared to a major city.

Ride-sharing fares can also be a significant expense, particularly for frequent trips to Columbus for cancer treatment. The cost of transportation can become a barrier to healthcare access, especially for individuals with limited financial resources.

Medical transport services, such as MedTrans and First Transit, specialize in providing transportation for medical appointments. These services often offer door-to-door service and are equipped to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. They can be a valuable resource for patients undergoing cancer treatment or requiring frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services typically require advance booking, and the cost can be higher than ride-sharing services. However, they offer a specialized level of care and support, making them a valuable option for those who need it. The availability and cost of medical transport services should be carefully considered when evaluating healthcare access in Circleville.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic View**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Circleville (43113) reflects a complex interplay of transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. While local services are available, the reliance on driving or private transportation for specialized care in Columbus presents a challenge.

The limited public transit options and the potential cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services can create barriers to healthcare access, particularly for individuals with limited mobility, financial constraints, or those who do not have access to a personal vehicle.

For those considering moving to Circleville, a careful assessment of their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services is essential. Planning for potential travel times, considering the cost of transportation, and exploring available resources like PATS and medical transport services are crucial steps in ensuring access to timely and appropriate care.

**Moving to Circleville: A Transportation-Informed Decision**

The decision to move to Circleville involves weighing various factors, and healthcare access is a critical one. While the town offers a welcoming community and affordable living, the transportation landscape presents certain challenges.

Prospective residents should research the location of healthcare providers, estimate travel times to essential services, and explore available transportation options. Understanding the limitations of public transit, the potential costs of ride-sharing and medical transport, and the impact of traffic on US-23 is vital.

By carefully considering these factors, individuals can make an informed decision about whether Circleville is the right place for them, ensuring they can access the healthcare services they need, especially when facing a diagnosis like breast cancer. The "Breast Cancer Score" highlights the importance of transportation in healthcare access, empowering individuals to make informed choices about their health and well-being.